HMS Ark Royal

HMS Ark Royal was a British Royal Navy aircraft carrier that played a significant role in the Battle of Britain, Battle of Cape Spartivento, and the Sinking of the Bismarck. The ship was named after the Ark Royal (1587), a galleon that served as the English flagship during the Spanish Armada's Invasion of England. The Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm operated from the ship, which was also involved in the North African Campaign and the Malta Convoys. The ship's air group included Fairey Swordfish and Fairey Fulmar biplanes, as well as Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane monoplanes.

● History

The concept of the HMS Ark Royal was born out of the Washington Naval Treaty, which limited the size and number of capital ships that nations could build. As a result, the Royal Navy focused on building aircraft carriers, which were not limited by the treaty. The ship was built at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, near Liverpool, and was launched by Lady Maud Hoare, the wife of Sir Samuel Hoare, the First Lord of the Admiralty. The ship's construction was overseen by Admiral of the Fleet Earl Beatty, who played a significant role in the development of the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier program. The ship was commissioned in 1939, just before the start of World War II, and was initially commanded by Captain Arthur Power, who later became the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet.

● Design and Construction

The HMS Ark Royal was designed to be a fast and maneuverable aircraft carrier, with a top speed of over 30 knots. The ship's hull was designed by Sir Arthur Johns, a renowned naval architect who also designed the HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08). The ship's flight deck was 558 feet long and 95 feet wide, and was equipped with two hydraulic catapults and a crash barrier. The ship's air group was composed of Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers, Fairey Fulmar fighters, and Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane fighters. The ship was also equipped with a range of anti-aircraft guns, including QF 4.5-inch Mk I and QF 2-pdr Mk VIII guns. The ship's design was influenced by the Japanese aircraft carrier Akagi, which was built in the 1920s.

● Career

The HMS Ark Royal played a significant role in the early years of World War II, participating in the Battle of Britain and the Battle of Cape Spartivento. The ship's air group was involved in the Sinking of the Bismarck, and the ship also provided air support for the Malta Convoys. The ship was commanded by Captain Loben Maund, who later became the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet. The ship was also involved in the North African Campaign, providing air support for the Allies during the Battle of El Alamein. The ship's air group included Squadron Leader Douglas Bader, a renowned fighter ace who later became a Member of Parliament. The ship was eventually torpedoed by the German submarine U-81 and sank on November 14, 1941, while being towed to Gibraltar for repairs.

● Specifications

The HMS Ark Royal had a displacement of over 22,000 tons and was 800 feet long. The ship's beam was 94 feet and the ship had a draught of over 28 feet. The ship was powered by Parsons turbines and had a top speed of over 30 knots. The ship's air group was composed of up to 60 aircraft, including Fairey Swordfish and Fairey Fulmar biplanes, as well as Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane monoplanes. The ship was equipped with a range of anti-aircraft guns, including QF 4.5-inch Mk I and QF 2-pdr Mk VIII guns. The ship's design was influenced by the United States Navy's USS Lexington (CV-2), which was built in the 1920s.

● Legacy

The HMS Ark Royal played a significant role in the development of the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier program and was an important part of the Allies' efforts during World War II. The ship's air group was involved in some of the most significant battles of the war, including the Battle of Britain and the Sinking of the Bismarck. The ship's design influenced the development of later aircraft carriers, including the HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08). The ship's legacy can be seen in the Royal Navy's current aircraft carrier program, which includes the HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08). The ship's story has been told in a number of books and films, including The Sinking of the Bismarck and Sink the Bismarck!. The ship's wreck was discovered in 2002 by a team led by Mike Rossiter, a renowned shipwreck hunter. Category:World War II aircraft carriers